Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos, emphasized the imperative for genuine federating states within the nation during a national constitutional dialogue held in honor of the late Ben Nwabueze, pioneer secretary-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The dialogue, themed “Lawful procedures for actualizing a people’s constitution for Nigeria,” convened by The Patriots, a pan-Nigerian group of eminent national leaders of thought, took place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event drew the participation of numerous political stakeholders, including Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere; Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); Olabode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); and several former governors. Speakers at the dialogue addressed the anomalies of the 1999 constitution (as amended) and underscored the necessity for a new constitution.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted the anomaly of a federal agency controlling the water body at the Ozumba Mbadiwe axis of Victoria Island, Lagos, describing it as an issue that warrants attention. He advocated for the National Assembly to establish a platform for collective citizen participation in amending the constitution.
In his words, “How well do we see the anomalies that we have in our country? Why would we have a federal agency come to control the water in front of Ozumba Mbadiwe?” Sanwo-Olu queried. “Why would we have a federal agency 1000 kilometers away to come and see the needs of my people right on Ozumba Mbadiwe? These are some of the things that we need to address and acknowledge the necessity for genuine federating states.”
Furthermore, he expressed dismay over the trend of former state officials opposing the decentralization of power upon assuming federal positions.
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